3 Oral Diseases That Good Dental Hygiene Can Prevent

by Daniel Arthur

2 Years ago

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Canada is lucky to have an advanced healthcare system, one which provides its citizens with access to free healthcare when they need it. Unfortunately, just like many other comparable nations, dental health is not included in the state healthcare system. This means that for many Canadians, their decision of whether to get regular dental checkups is ultimately decided by financial considerations.

As a result, many people end up suffering from oral diseases and other issues that could have been avoided if they had shown more care for their dental hygiene. It is worth being aware of what diseases you are opening yourself up to by foregoing regular dental visits and a proper oral hygiene routine.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems in the world. It is generally adults who suffer from gum disease; parents tend to make their children brush their teeth, and gum disease develops slowly. Inadequate oral hygiene over a long period of time can develop into gum disease. However, because the initial stages of gum disease are often symptomless, many people don’t notice anything is wrong until the disease has become more serious.

The good news is that, while common, gum disease is easy to prevent and to treat. You don’t even need to shell out on a dentist visit, although if you begin to show symptoms you should visit a clinic, such as Southcentre Dental Clinic to ensure that the problem is treated properly. However, as long as you practice good oral hygiene in your day to day life, it is unlikely you will suffer from gum disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is when the gums become inflamed (swell up). Healthcare recommendations such as how much water to drink and how many portions of fruit to have each day vary around the world. But one of the few things that is universally agreed upon among healthcare providers throughout the developed world is that we need to brush our teeth twice a day in order to ensure the best possible oral hygiene.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has a great guide to gingivitis. On that page you will see an example of the CDA Seal of Recognition. Products that bear this seal offer specific, scientifically proven health benefits.

Cavities

Cavities are holes that form on the surface of teeth, usually due to sugar erosion. It is not the sugar itself that is the problem. The erosion occurs because the sugar reacts with the bacteria present in our mouths to form a mild acid. When this acid comes into contact with the enamel (that’s the outer layer of our teeth), it begins to eat away at it.

Again, cavities are best prevented by regularly brushing your teeth. Also note that lots of foods contain sugar. While sugar coated candies contain a lot of sugar, they also don’t remain in contact with your teeth for very long. Once the sugar is out of your mouth, the acidic reaction is stopped. Conversely, starchy foods like potato chips also contain sugar, and tend to get stuck in the teeth. This means they are able to keep the reaction going for much longer.

Brushing your teeth twice every day is the most important, and probably most simple, thing you can do in order to maintain your oral hygiene. Do this, and you are far less likely to face any of the problems above. Make sure that if issues do arise, you consult with a dentist.